DDG-993 KIDD-class

The KIDD class are the most powerful multi-purpose destroyers in the fleet. The four ships of this class, originally designed for sale to the then-friendly Iranian Navy, are unique among US Warships, in that it combines the combat systems capability of the former VIRGINIA-class cruisers with the proven anti-submarine warfare qualities of a SPRUANCE-class destroyer. The four Kidd class guided missile destroyers are similar to the Spruance class destroyers, but have greater displacement and improved combat systems. The ships are built on the same hull as the Spruance destroyers, though without the later's extensive offensive capability.

The four destroyers of the Kidd class were originally built for the Shah of Iran, and were acquired by the US Navy following the Shah's overthrow in 1979. The US Navy acquired them in 1981 and 1982 after they were canceled by the succeeding Iranian government. For this reason they are often referred to as the "Ayatollah class".

On 01 December 1998 the Department of Defense announced that the Government of Greece had requested a possible combined lease/sale arrangement of four KIDD Class Guided Missile Destroyers and related munition items and services relating to "hot ship" turnover of one KIDD Class destroyer, "cold ship" transfer reactivations for three KIDD Class destroyers from the US Navy.

Built for action in the Persian Gulf, these ships are oriented for general purpose operations rather than specialized anti-submarine war.These ships feature advanced air-intake and filtration systems in order to handle dust and sand prevailing in Persian Gulf operating area as well as greater air-conditioning capacity. With the ability to fire surface-to-air missiles in support of Aegis cruisers, which, if necessary, can assume control of the destroyer's missiles. The guided-missile destroyers are outfitted with air-defense radar that allows them to command a wide ocean area. They can also support amphibious landing forces.

KIDD-class armaments include the New Threat Upgrade (NTU) anti-air warfare (AAW) system to improve their anti-air warfare performance against the technologically advanced threat expected into the 21st century, as well as two Mk 26 launchers for Standard surface-to-air missiles, and SQS-58 hull mounted active sonar, ASROC, eight Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles, two five-inch guns and hangar facilities for one Lamps Mk 1 helicopter.

The most formidable warship of her size ever to patrol the world's oceans, blending the best features of the SPRUANCE Class destroyers with the combat system of the VIRGINIA Class nuclear cruisers to produce a ship with unique characteristics:

A ship so quiet, and an ASW system so capable, that she
operates offensively against submarines.

The most sophisticated medium-range AAW systems in the
Fleet, quick-reacting and highly accurate, with the capability for
today's air defense environment and the growth potential for
tomorrow's.

An exceptionally reliable and responsive engineering
plant.

A deadly surface-to-surface weapons capability.

These characteristics make KIDD a triple-threat, one of the few truly multi-mission ships, able to operate offensively, to deal with simultaneous air, surface, and sub-surface attacks.

KIDD's propulsion system is an automated, gas turbine installation, which can be controlled from either the Pilot House or the Central Control Station. The system is located in two main engine rooms, each containing two LM-2500 marine gas turbines. The two LM-2500s are coupled through clutches and locked train, double helical, double reduction gears to drive a controllable, reversible pitch propeller. With all four turbines on line and both shafts driving, the plant can deliver 80,000 shaft horsepower, for a top speed in excess of 30 knots.

KIDD's combat system is her complement of weapons and electronics subsystems and equipment, which collectively enables her to carry out combat missions.

AAW: Anti-Air Warfare
In air engagements, initial target detection is usually provided by the long-range air search radar. This is a three- dimensional, electronically-stabilized, computer-controlled radar, which includes an Automatic Detection and Tracking (ADT) capability. Target data is transferred, automatically or manually, to the computer of the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS). NTDS is the heart of the combat system, tying together the various subsystems, collecting and processing information from ship sensors, and from off-ship sensors, via radio digital data links.
From NTDS, air targets are sent to one of the following weapons for engagement:

For long-range engagements, to Combat Air Patrol (CAP)
aircraft.

For medium-range engagements, to either of the TARTAR D
Missile Systems.

For short-range engagements, to either of the Gun Weapon
Systems.

For very close-in engagements, to the Vulcan-Phalanx
Close-In Weapons System (CIWS). The CIWS consists of two mounts (port
and starboard), each consisting of a fire control system and a Gatling-
type machine gun. The CIWS automatically searches for, acquires, and
destroys air targets at close range.

ASW: Anti-Submarine Warfare
The primary ASW sensors are the ship-mounted SONAR and a variety of sensors carried by ASW aircraft. The KIDD's long-range SONAR is capable of detecting, classifying and tracking underwater targets. Data from the SONAR is provided to the Underwater Fire Control System (UFCS) and to NTDS for display and decision. The UFCS computes orders for launching torpedoes from the torpedo tubes, for firing Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) torpedoes from the missiles launcher, and for weapon release points for ASW aircraft. The ship can carry two Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Helicopters. These provide an extended localization
and weapon delivery capability in ASW, and expanded surveillance against anti-ship missile threats.

ASU: Anti-Surface Warfare
The surface search radar, and the radar of the Gun Fire Control System, are the primary active sensors for surface surveillance
and detection. Surface targets can be engaged by one of the following subsystems:

Harpoon Surface-to-Surface Missiles are capable of over-
the-horizon attacks on surface targets. The Harpoon Weapon System
consists of two sets of four-canister launchers, and a fire control
system for designating targets to the missiles.

The TARTAR D System, used in the surface mode, is capable
of medium-range attacks on surface targets.

The Gun Weapon System can engage targets at shorter range.
Controlled by the Gun Fire Control System (GFCS), the 5" guns can
engage one or two targets out to the ballistic limits of 5" ammunition.

Against very close-in surface targets, the CIWS can be
fired in surface mode.

ELW: Electronic Warfare
The ship's Electronic Warfare Sensor is designated as an anti-ship missile defense sensor. It provides rapid and automatic detection, processing, and analysis of enemy electronic emissions. It is used with four deck-mounted Super Rapid-Blooming Off-board Chaff (SRBOC) mortar-type launchers, which provide defense against homing missiles by creating deceptive chaff targets.

Communication
KIDD has a modern, automated communications system. For Fleet Broadcast Traffic, the Naval Modular Automated Communication System (NAVMACS) A-Plus uses a computer for automated message processing. NAVMACS is joined with a satellite communications transceiver and a satellite receiver to provide high-speed, low- interference information transfer via satellite links. For two-way tactical communications, KIDD carries a full range of modern UHF, VHF, and HF
radio equipment.

Only one ship of this class remains active U.S. Navy service. The remaining three ships of this class, the USS Kidd (DDG-993), USS Callaghan (DDG-994), and USS Scott (DDG-995) are scheduled for transfer to a foreign navy under the Security Assistance Program (SAP).